The Actor Matsumoto Koshiro IV as Ogata no Saburo Disguised as Matsuura Saemon in the Play Ichi no Tomi Tsuki no Kaomise, Performed at the Morita Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1774
c. 1774
Medium
Color woodblock print; hosoban; from a multisheet composition (?)
Dimensions
29.8 × 14.2 cm (11 3/4 × 5 9/16 in.)
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
31921
Art Historical Context
This striking color woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunshō captures the renowned kabuki actor Matsumoto Kōshirō IV in a dramatic role from the 1774 play *Ichi no Tomi Tsuki no Kaomise*, performed at Edo’s Morita Theater. Shunshō, leading figure in the ukiyo-e tradition, specialized in actor portraits (*yakusha-e*) that brought the excitement of the stage to a wider audience. His works helped popularize realistic depictions of performers, moving beyond stylized images to convey individual personalities and dynamic poses. Measuring just under 12 inches tall, the narrow *hosoban* format was ideal ...